The Vision and Mission of the Church is gradually taking roots in the local life of the congregation.  On the request of the Conference  the specific activities related to the  objectives are now included in the Agenda of the Synods, Quarterly and Leaders Meetings so that regular monitoring would be ensured. There is a spontaneous and encouraging response from the rural areas for the above for which we thank God.

We have definitely done a lot of work and significant progress is seen in the areas of Youth Representation, Christian Giving, Corporate Evangelism and Christian Fellowship etc., Unfortunately, we have slacked in the areas of Personal Evangelism, Lay Training and Christian Discipleship which will receive greater attention in the coming year.

With regard to the Youth Representation, we rejoice and praise God that the last Conference gave a hundred percent affirmative vote for the proposals to enhance the Youth Representatives at all decision making levels of the Church and to enhance the potentials and talents of the youth.   We are delighted that so many Circuits have taken very meaningful steps  to give effect to this decision.

Methodist Churches that are vibrant to-day have   youth as a    vital component.  In all Methodist Churches where there is numerical growth,  the young are  at the core.  In all Methodist Churches where there is active social involvement, peace and reconciliation work, relief and rehabilitation work, the young are playing a greater role.  In all Methodist Churches where there is lively and  vibrant worship  both traditional and contemporary,  the young are at the heart of this. The Methodist Church is gradually growing to be the Church of the young.  Hence, the decisions made at the last Conference are   not just a numerical game of representation but a sign  of  our obedience to the   Holy Spirit and a recognition of what He is doing amidst us. The confirmatory  vote  to be taken this year will give an effective expression to the same and will result in many young people joining the Conference as full fledged members.  I believe it is    God’s  will for us, among us and in us.  It is the working of the  spirit that we seek to give expression to. We pray that the same unanimous support would be given this year too.

The confirmatory vote to be taken this year will give an effective expression to the same and will result in many young people joining the Conference as full fledged members. I believe it is God's will for us, among us and in us. It is the working of the spirit that we seek to give expression to. We pray that the same unanimous support would be given this year too.

Another objective in the Vision and Mission of the Church is the strengthening of the Ecumenical Witness.  We thank God for opening many avenues and for  the  many forms of Ecumenical expression that  takes place at the congregational level.  The Confederation of Churches, is another  significant event, to which the people called Methodists gave their hundred percent support.  In  spite of all this a lot more needs to be done to give concrete expression to the unity and the united witness we seek.  We need to however,  confess to God that the leadership has   pursued denominational interests  as against the will of God.

I believe that as long as a Church is evangelical, affirming the traditions of the Apostles, confessing the ancient creeds, it cannot be any thing but ecumenical and cannot have the denominational goals as there absolute goal.

Unfortunately, we have slacked in the areas of personal evangelism, lay training and Christian discipleship which will receive greater attention in the coming year. We need to reflect, confess and put our acts together to be the true torch bearers of the Gospel ecumenically.